NEWS & EVENTS BLOG

This week, the children completed their final mixed-media portrait pieces , bringing together all the skills they have developed throughout our art unit. They explored portraiture , focusing on facial features, shape and proportion, before experimenting with colour, pattern and collage . As part of their learning, the children studied the work of Liverpool-based artist Chila Kumari Singh Burman , taking inspiration from her bold use of colour and mixed media to create express

In Year 5 Physical Education, pupils have been learning all about cricket , developing their understanding of the game and its basic skills. Over recent lessons, children have been introduced to the fundamental rules of cricket and the different roles played within a team. This week, the focus was on throwing techniques . Pupils practised how to throw with accuracy and control, learning the importance of correct grip, body position, and follow-through. Using these skills, the

In Year 5 Art & Design this term, pupils have been exploring continuous line drawing  – a technique where the pencil stays on the page at all times. This challenged children to slow down, observe carefully, and embrace the idea that artwork does not need to be perfect to be successful. A key focus of this unit was learning that mistakes are part of the creative process . By not lifting the pencil, pupils quickly realised they couldn’t erase or correct lines in the usual way.

This week, Year 5 headed out for a short nature walk around Heaton Park to gather descriptive language for their English writing. The children used their senses to explore their surroundings — noticing sights, sounds, textures and even the wintery chill in the air! Our route included a wander around St John’s Palace and through areas of the park filled with fascinating trees and exposed roots. The children observed mossy patches, frozen grass and twisting bark, collecting voc

Year 5 have now completed their second RE unit, which focused on Prophecy. In this final lesson, the children explored the writings of Paul and how he connected Jesus to the promises made by God in the Old Testament. Paul often referenced King David, showing that Jesus was the fulfillment of God’s covenant and the long-awaited Messiah. The children discussed why these connections were important for early Christians and how they strengthened the belief that Jesus was central t

In the lead-up to Christmas, Year 5 got creative by designing their own Christmas cards inspired by the look of stained glass windows. Each card featured a scene from the Nativity, and the children explored how colour can convey meaning. They worked with earth tones, shades of the night sky, and colours traditionally associated with Mary, thinking carefully about how these choices added depth to their designs. Using felt-tip pens, the children coloured their images with bold,

This afternoon, Year 5 enjoyed their Christmas party together. The children started with games of Musical Statues  and Funkiest Dancer , set to the sounds of James Brown’s Funky Christmas . There were plenty of laughs and some impressive dance moves on display. After the games, the class took part in a Kahoot! quiz  to test their knowledge of Christmas movies. It was a great chance for everyone to show what they know about festive favourites. Once the activities were finished

This week, Year 5 enjoyed a festive treat with a special Christmas dinner in school. The hall was full of Christmas cheer as everyone wore their colourful Christmas jumpers and enjoyed the meal together. With Christmas music playing in the background, the atmosphere felt extra special and really helped us get into the festive spirit as Christmas draws closer. It was a lovely opportunity for the children to relax, celebrate, and enjoy this seasonal tradition with their friends

Year 5 had an exciting week in Computing as they stepped into the shoes of real video-game designers. Using Purple Mash , the children explored how games are created and began building their very own first-person video games from scratch. As part of the unit, the class learned how digital games combine design , logic , and creativity —all key areas of the UK Computing curriculum. Before they even touched the keyboard, pupils planned their ideas carefully, thinking about how t

Year 5 have had a fantastic week taking part in Anti-Bullying Week 2025. We kicked things off with Odd Socks Day, a fun way to celebrate individuality and remind ourselves that everyone is unique and should be respected for who they are. Throughout the week, the children explored online safety and what bullying can look like in the digital world. Together, we discussed how to stay safe online, who to talk to if something doesn’t feel right, and the importance of speaking up f

Year 5 have started an exciting new unit in science: Earth and Space . The children have been learning about the eight planets in our solar system and how each one orbits the Sun at different distances and speeds. To begin, the class worked together to order the planets and discover their unique features. They then created fact cards for each planet, sharing what makes them special. There was lots of curiosity and discussion about how days and years differ depending on a plan

This half-term, Year 5 have started their new gymnastics unit , focusing on floor routines  and developing control, balance, and teamwork. The children have been exploring symmetrical and asymmetrical balances , both individually and with a partner. They’ve learned how to hold positions steadily, move smoothly between shapes, and think carefully about body tension and posture. Working in pairs has encouraged plenty of communication and cooperation , as pupils helped each othe

Prior to half term, Year 5 had a visit from the NSPCC to talk about how children can stay safe and know who to turn to if they ever feel worried. The session was really engaging and age-appropriate, covering topics such as speaking out, recognising unsafe situations, and understanding that every child has the right to feel safe and supported. The children listened carefully and took part in discussions, sharing some thoughtful ideas about what kindness and respect mean in eve

This week, the children were thrilled to welcome local author, Mirabel Lavelle, for a special creative writing workshop inspired by her picture book Zeb, Jet and the Ice-Cream Calamity . Set in a familiar local area, Mirabel’s adventure story blends imagination with learning — featuring fun educational tasks, a catchy song (complete with sheet music), and an important message about food allergy safety. The children listened attentively as Mirabel shared how her story was crea

Today, pupils began their exciting journey into the computer science strand of our computing curriculum. The children have started exploring a range of coding skills using the interactive learning platform Code.org . Code.org provides a fun and accessible way for children to learn the fundamentals of programming. Through games, puzzles, and creative challenges, pupils develop problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and an understanding of how computers follow precise instr

We had an exciting day in school last week the Newcastle Eagles  came in to run a special “Hoops for Life”  basketball session with our...

In English, Year 5 have been diving into Michael Morpurgo’s retelling of Beowulf , one of the oldest and most famous Anglo-Saxon legends....

In History, Year 5 have been learning about the Anglo-Saxons  and their arrival in Britain. The children have explored where the...

This half term in RE, Year 5 have been learning all about Moses and the importance of covenants  in the Bible. The children have explored...

This term in Year 5, our budding artists embarked on a creative journey all about movement —and what an adventure it’s been! 1. Capturing...